End effector joystick for a positioning device

ABSTRACT

A medical navigation system is provided having a positioning device having a positioning arm with a flange at the end of the positioning arm, a controller at least electrically coupled to the positioning device, and an end effector joystick controller for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory and a display. The end effector joystick controller includes a mating component for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm, and a joystick portion extending from the mating component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to image guided medical procedures, and more specifically to an end effector joystick for a medical procedure positioning device employing a dynamic positioning system.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is generally related to image guided medical procedures using a surgical instrument, such as an optical scope, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe, a micro ultrasound transducer, an electronic sensor or stimulator, or an access port based surgery.

In the example of a port-based surgery, a surgeon or robotic surgical system may perform a surgical procedure involving tumor resection in which the residual tumor remaining after is minimized, while also minimizing the trauma to the intact white and grey matter of the brain. In such procedures, trauma may occur, for example, due to contact with the access port, stress to the brain matter, unintentional impact with surgical devices, and/or accidental resection of healthy tissue. A key to minimizing trauma is ensuring that the surgeon performing the procedure has the best possible view of the surgical site of interest without having to spend excessive amounts of time and concentration repositioning tools and cameras during the medical procedure. A key aspect of this is having proper control of the tools used during the medical procedure.

FIG. 1 illustrates the insertion of an access port into a human brain, for providing access to internal brain tissue during a medical procedure. In FIG. 1, access port 12 is inserted into a human brain 10, providing access to internal brain tissue. Access port 12 may include such instruments as catheters, surgical probes, or cylindrical ports such as the NICO BrainPath. Surgical tools and instruments may then be inserted within the lumen of the access port in order to perform surgical, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as resecting tumors as necessary. The present disclosure applies equally well to catheters, DBS needles, a biopsy procedure, and also to biopsies and/or catheters in other medical procedures performed on other parts of the body.

In the example of a port-based surgery, a straight or linear access port 12 is typically guided down a sulci path of the brain. Surgical instruments would then be inserted down the access port 12.

Optical tracking systems, used in the medical procedure, track the position of a part of the instrument that is within line-of-site of the optical tracking camera. These optical tracking systems also require a reference to the patient to know where the instrument is relative to the target (e.g., a tumor) of the medical procedure. These optical tracking systems require a knowledge of the dimensions of the instrument being tracked so that, for example, the optical tracking system knows the position in space of a tip of a medical instrument relative to the tracking markers being tracked. This enables a camera system that focuses on the surgical site of interest to display an image of the surgical site on a monitor so that the surgeon can see the surgical site at the end of the access port.

Conventional systems have not offered good solutions for manually controlling positioning of a medical procedure positioning device. Presently, it is difficult to manually move an end effector of a medical positioning device because at times it requires a surgeon to position himself in a non-optimal ergonomic position and/or use an excessive or awkward amount of force to manually position the end effector. It would be desirable to have an end effector and medical positioning device that satisfies the needs of operating room in the context of the procedures mentioned above.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical navigation system having a positioning device having a positioning arm with a flange at the end of the positioning arm, a controller electrically coupled to the positioning device, and an end effector joystick controller for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory and a display. The end effector joystick controller includes a mating component for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm and a joystick portion extending from the mating component.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an end effector joystick controller for connecting to and controlling a positioning arm of a positioning device of a medical navigation system. The end effector joystick controller comprises a mating component for connecting to a flange of the positioning arm and a joystick portion extending from the mating component. The joystick portion may further have a handle, and a housing portion attached to the handle and the mating component. The handle may be in the shape of a puck.

A further understanding of the functional and advantageous aspects of the disclosure can be realized by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the insertion of an access port into a human brain, for providing access to internal brain tissue during a medical procedure;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary navigation system to support minimally invasive access port-based surgery;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control and processing system that may be used in the navigation system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating a method involved in a surgical procedure using the navigation system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating a method of registering a patient for a surgical procedure as outlined in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary navigation system similar to FIG. 2 illustrating system components of an exemplary surgical system used in port based surgery;

FIG. 6 is perspective drawing illustrating a conventional end effector holding a camera;

FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing illustrating another end effector similar to that of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing showing an end effector joystick controller coupled to an arm of a positioning device;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the end effector joystick controller of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an end effector joystick controller in isolation;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the end effector joystick controller of FIG. 10 with a scope and camera attached;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller with attached scope and camera shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of an end effector joystick controller with a scope and camera attached; and

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller with attached scope and camera shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to details discussed below. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed as being inclusive and open ended, and not exclusive. Specifically, when used in the specification and claims, the terms, “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean the specified features, steps or components are included. These terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations disclosed herein.

As used herein, the terms “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” are meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the ranges of values, such as variations in properties, parameters, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, the terms “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” mean plus or minus 10 percent or less.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, such as through context, as used herein, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings:

As used herein, the phrase “access port” refers to a cannula, conduit, sheath, port, tube, or other structure that is insertable into a subject, in order to provide access to internal tissue, organs, or other biological substances. In some embodiments, an access port may directly expose internal tissue, for example, via an opening or aperture at a distal end thereof, and/or via an opening or aperture at an intermediate location along a length thereof. In other embodiments, an access port may provide indirect access, via one or more surfaces that are transparent, or partially transparent, to one or more forms of energy or radiation, such as, but not limited to, electromagnetic waves and acoustic waves.

As used herein the phrase “intraoperative” refers to an action, process, method, event or step that occurs or is carried out during at least a portion of a medical procedure. Intraoperative, as defined herein, is not limited to surgical procedures, and may refer to other types of medical procedures, such as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide imaging devices that are insertable into a subject or patient for imaging internal tissues, and methods of use thereof. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to minimally invasive medical procedures that are performed via an access port, whereby surgery, diagnostic imaging, therapy, or other medical procedures (e.g., minimally invasive medical procedures) are performed based on access to internal tissue through the access port.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary navigation system environment 200 is shown, which may be used to support navigated image-guided surgery. As shown in FIG. 2, surgeon 201 conducts a surgery on a patient 202 in an operating room (OR) environment. A medical navigation system 205 comprising an equipment tower, tracking system, displays and tracked instruments assist the surgeon 201 during his procedure. An operator 203 is also present to operate, control and provide assistance for the medical navigation system 205.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram is shown illustrating a control and processing system 300 that may be used in the medical navigation system 200 shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., as part of the equipment tower). As shown in FIG. 3, in one example, control and processing system 300 may include one or more processors 302, a memory 304, a system bus 306, one or more input/output interfaces 308, a communications interface 310, and storage device 312. Control and processing system 300 may be interfaced with other external devices, such as tracking system 321, data storage 342, and external user input and output devices 344, which may include, for example, one or more of a display, keyboard, mouse, sensors attached to medical equipment, foot pedal, and microphone and speaker. Data storage 342 may be any suitable data storage device, such as a local or remote computing device (e.g. a computer, hard drive, digital media device, or server) having a database stored thereon. In the example shown in FIG. 3, data storage device 342 includes identification data 350 for identifying one or more medical instruments 360 and configuration data 352 that associates customized configuration parameters with one or more medical instruments 360. Data storage device 342 may also include preoperative image data 354 and/or medical procedure planning data 356. Although data storage device 342 is shown as a single device in FIG. 3, it will be understood that in other embodiments, data storage device 342 may be provided as multiple storage devices.

Medical instruments 360 are identifiable by control and processing unit 300. Medical instruments 360 may be connected to and controlled by control and processing unit 300, or medical instruments 360 may be operated or otherwise employed independent of control and processing unit 300. Tracking system 321 may be employed to track one or more of medical instruments 360 and spatially register the one or more tracked medical instruments to an intraoperative reference frame. For example, medical instruments 360 may include tracking markers such as tracking spheres that may be recognizable by a tracking camera 307. In one example, the tracking camera 307 may be an infrared (IR) tracking camera. In another example, as sheath placed over a medical instrument 360 may be connected to and controlled by control and processing unit 300.

Control and processing unit 300 may also interface with a number of configurable devices, and may intraoperatively reconfigure one or more of such devices based on configuration parameters obtained from configuration data 352. Examples of devices 320, as shown in FIG. 3, include one or more external imaging devices 322, one or more illumination devices 324, a robotic arm 305, one or more projection devices 328, and one or more displays 311.

Exemplary aspects of the disclosure can be implemented via processor(s) 302 and/or memory 304. For example, the functionalities described herein can be partially implemented via hardware logic in processor 302 and partially using the instructions stored in memory 304, as one or more processing modules or engines 370. Example processing modules include, but are not limited to, user interface engine 372, tracking module 374, motor controller 376, image processing engine 378, image registration engine 380, procedure planning engine 382, navigation engine 384, and context analysis module 386. While the example processing modules are shown separately in FIG. 3, in one example the processing modules 370 may be stored in the memory 304 and the processing modules may be collectively referred to as processing modules 370.

It is to be understood that the system is not intended to be limited to the components shown in FIG. 3. One or more components of the control and processing system 300 may be provided as an external component or device. In one example, navigation module 384 may be provided as an external navigation system that is integrated with control and processing system 300.

Some embodiments may be implemented using processor 302 without additional instructions stored in memory 304. Some embodiments may be implemented using the instructions stored in memory 304 for execution by one or more general purpose microprocessors. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to a specific configuration of hardware and/or software.

While some embodiments can be implemented in fully functioning computers and computer systems, various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a computing product in a variety of forms and are capable of being applied regardless of the particular type of machine or computer readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

At least some aspects disclosed can be embodied, at least in part, in software. That is, the techniques may be carried out in a computer system or other data processing system in response to its processor, such as a microprocessor, executing sequences of instructions contained in a memory, such as ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory, cache or a remote storage device.

A computer readable storage medium can be used to store software and data which, when executed by a data processing system, causes the system to perform various methods. The executable software and data may be stored in various places including for example ROM, volatile RAM, nonvolatile memory and/or cache. Portions of this software and/or data may be stored in any one of these storage devices.

Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, recordable and non-recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), among others. The instructions may be embodied in digital and analog communication links for electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, and the like. The storage medium may be the internet cloud, or a computer readable storage medium such as a disc.

At least some of the methods described herein are capable of being distributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium that bears computer usable instructions for execution by one or more processors, to perform aspects of the methods described. The medium may be provided in various forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes, compact disks, tapes, chips, USB keys, external hard drives, wire-line transmissions, satellite transmissions, internet transmissions or downloads, magnetic and electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

According to one aspect of the present application, one purpose of the navigation system 205, which may include control and processing unit 300, is to provide tools to the neurosurgeon that will lead to the most informed, least damaging neurosurgical operations. In addition to removal of brain tumours and intracranial hemorrhages (ICH), the navigation system 205 can also be applied to a brain biopsy, a functional/deep-brain stimulation, a catheter/shunt placement procedure, open craniotomies, endonasal/skull-based/ENT, spine procedures, and other parts of the body such as breast biopsies, liver biopsies, etc. While several examples have been provided, aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any suitable medical procedure.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a flow chart is shown illustrating a method 400 of performing a port-based surgical procedure using a navigation system, such as the medical navigation system 205 described in relation to FIG. 2. At a first block 402, the port-based surgical plan is imported.

Once the plan has been imported into the navigation system at the block 402, the patient is affixed into position using a body holding mechanism. The head position is also confirmed with the patient plan in the navigation system (block 404), which in one example may be implemented by the computer or controller forming part of the equipment tower of medical navigation system 205.

Next, registration of the patient is initiated (block 406). The phrase “registration” or “image registration” refers to the process of transforming different sets of data into one coordinate system. Data may include multiple photographs, data from different sensors, times, depths, or viewpoints. The process of “registration” is used in the present application for medical imaging in which images from different imaging modalities are co-registered. Registration is used in order to be able to compare or integrate the data obtained from these different modalities.

Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that there are numerous registration techniques available and one or more of the techniques may be applied to the present example. Non-limiting examples include intensity-based methods that compare intensity patterns in images via correlation metrics, while feature-based methods find correspondence between image features such as points, lines, and contours. Image registration methods may also be classified according to the transformation models they use to relate the target image space to the reference image space. Another classification can be made between single-modality and multi-modality methods. Single-modality methods typically register images in the same modality acquired by the same scanner or sensor type, for example, a series of magnetic resonance (MR) images may be co-registered, while multi-modality registration methods are used to register images acquired by different scanner or sensor types, for example in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). In the present disclosure, multi-modality registration methods may be used in medical imaging of the head and/or brain as images of a subject are frequently obtained from different scanners. Examples include registration of brain computerized tomography (CT)/MRI images or PET/CT images for tumor localization, registration of contrast-enhanced CT images against non-contrast-enhanced CT images, and registration of ultrasound and CT.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a flow chart is shown illustrating a method involved in registration block 406 as outlined in FIG. 4A, in greater detail. If the use of fiducial touch points (440) is contemplated, the method involves first identifying fiducials on images (block 442), then touching the touch points with a tracked instrument (block 444). Next, the navigation system computes the registration to reference markers (block 446).

Alternately, registration can also be completed by conducting a surface scan procedure (block 450). The block 450 is presented to show an alternative approach, but may not typically be used when using a fiducial pointer. First, the face is scanned using a 3D scanner (block 452). Next, the face surface is extracted from MR/CT data (block 454). Finally, surfaces are matched to determine registration data points (block 456).

Upon completion of either the fiducial touch points (440) or surface scan (450) procedures, the data extracted is computed and used to confirm registration at block 408, shown in FIG. 4B.

Referring back to FIG. 4A, once registration is confirmed (block 408), the patient is draped (block 410). Typically, draping involves covering the patient and surrounding areas with a sterile barrier to create and maintain a sterile field during the surgical procedure. The purpose of draping is to eliminate the passage of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) between non-sterile and sterile areas. At this point, conventional navigation systems require that the non-sterile patient reference is replaced with a sterile patient reference of identical geometry location and orientation.

Upon completion of draping (block 410), the patient engagement points are confirmed (block 412) and then the craniotomy is prepared and planned (block 414).

Upon completion of the preparation and planning of the craniotomy (block 414), the craniotomy is cut and a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain (block 416). Registration data is updated with the navigation system at this point (block 422).

Next, the engagement within craniotomy and the motion range are confirmed (block 418). Next, the procedure advances to cutting the dura at the engagement points and identifying the sulcus (block 420).

Thereafter, the cannulation process is initiated (block 424). Cannulation involves inserting a port into the brain, typically along a sulci path as identified at 420, along a trajectory plan. Cannulation is typically an iterative process that involves repeating the steps of aligning the port on engagement and setting the planned trajectory (block 432) and then cannulating to the target depth (block 434) until the complete trajectory plan is executed (block 424).

Once cannulation is complete, the surgeon then performs resection (block 426) to remove part of the brain and/or tumor of interest. The surgeon then decannulates (block 428) by removing the port and any tracking instruments from the brain. Finally, the surgeon closes the dura and completes the craniotomy (block 430). Some aspects of FIG. 4A are specific to port-based surgery, such as portions of blocks 428, 420, and 434, but the appropriate portions of these blocks may be skipped or suitably modified when performing non-port based surgery.

When performing a surgical procedure using a medical navigation system 205, as outlined in connection with FIGS. 4A and 4B, the medical navigation system 205 must acquire and maintain a reference of the location of the tools in use as well as the patient in three dimensional (3D) space. In other words, during a navigated neurosurgery, there needs to be a tracked reference frame that is fixed relative to the patient's skull. During the registration phase of a navigated neurosurgery (e.g., the step 406 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B), a transformation is calculated that maps the frame of reference of preoperative MRI or CT imagery to the physical space of the surgery, specifically the patient's head. This may be accomplished by the navigation system 205 tracking locations of fiducial markers fixed to the patient's head, relative to the static patient reference frame. The patient reference frame is typically rigidly attached to the head fixation device, such as a Mayfield clamp. Registration is typically performed before the sterile field has been established (e.g., the step 410 shown in FIG. 4A).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating components of an exemplary surgical system used in port based surgery that is similar to FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates a navigation system 205 having an equipment tower 502, tracking system 504, display 506, an intelligent positioning system 508 and tracking markers 510 used to tracked instruments or an access port 12. Tracking system 504 may also be considered an optical tracking device or tracking camera. In FIG. 5, a surgeon 201 is performing a tumor resection through a port 12, using an imaging device 512 (e.g., a scope and camera) to view down the port at a sufficient magnification to enable enhanced visibility of the instruments and tissue. The imaging device 512 may be an external scope, videoscope, wide field camera, or an alternate image capturing device. The imaging sensor view is depicted on the visual display 506 which surgeon 201 uses for navigating the port's distal end through the anatomical region of interest.

An intelligent positioning system 508 comprising an automated arm 514, a lifting column 516 and an end effector 518, is placed in proximity to patient 202. Lifting column 516 is connected to a frame of intelligent positioning system 508. As seen in FIG. 5, the proximal end of automated mechanical arm 514 (further known as automated arm 514 herein) is connected to lifting column 516. In other embodiments, automated arm 514 may be connected to a horizontal beam, which is then either connected to lifting column 516 or directly to frame of the intelligent positioning system 508. Automated arm 514 may have multiple joints to enable 5, 6 or 7 degrees of freedom.

End effector 518 is attached to the distal end of automated arm 514. End effector 518 may accommodate a plurality of instruments or tools that may assist surgeon 201 in his procedure. End effector 518 is shown as holding an external scope and camera, however it should be noted that this is merely an example and alternate devices may be used with the end effector 518 such as a wide field camera, microscope and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) or other imaging instruments. In another example, multiple end effectors may be attached to the distal end of automated arm 518, and thus assist the surgeon 201 in switching between multiple modalities. For example, the surgeon 201 may want the ability to move between microscope, and OCT with stand-off optics. In a further example, the ability to attach a second, more accurate, but smaller range end effector such as a laser based ablation system with micro-control may be contemplated.

The intelligent positioning system 508 receives as input the spatial position and pose data of the automated arm 514 and target (for example the port 12) as determined by tracking system 504 by detection of the tracking markers on the wide field camera on port 12. Further, it should be noted that the tracking markers may be used to track both the automated arm 514 as well as the end effector 518 either collectively or independently. It should be noted that a wide field camera 520 is shown in FIG. 5 and that it is connected to the external scope (e.g., imaging device 512) and the two imaging devices together are held by the end effector 518. It should additionally be noted that although these are depicted together for illustration of the diagram that either could be utilized independently of the other, for example where an external video scope can be used independently of the wide field camera 520.

Intelligent positioning system 508 computes the desired joint positions for automated arm 514 so as to maneuver the end effector 518 mounted on the automated arm's distal end to a predetermined spatial position and pose relative to the port 12. This redetermined relative spatial position and pose is termed the “Zero Position” where the sensor of imaging device 512 and port 12 are axially aligned.

Further, the intelligent positioning system 508, optical tracking device 504, automated arm 514, and tracking markers 510 form a feedback loop. This feedback loop works to keep the distal end of the port 12 (located inside the brain) in constant view and focus of the end effector 518 given that it is an imaging device as the port position may be dynamically manipulated by the surgeon during the procedure. Intelligent positioning system 508 may also include a foot pedal for use by the surgeon 201 to align the end effector 518 (i.e., holding a videoscope) of automated arm 514 with the port 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, a conventional end effector 518 is shown attached to automated arm 514. The end effector 518 includes a handle 602 and a scope clamp 604. The scope clamp 604 holds imaging device 512. The end effector also has wide field camera 520 attached thereto.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective drawing is shown illustrating another example of an end effector 700. The end effector 700 may connect to a positioning arm, such as the automated arm 514 of a medical navigation system 205. The end effector 700 has a mating component 702 for connecting to an output flange of the positioning arm or for connecting to an end effector joystick controller, discussed below in connection with FIGS. 8-15. The end effector 700 further has a handle portion 704 having a first end 706 and a second end 708. The first end 706 extends from the mating component 702. The handle portion 704 includes a cable cut-out 710 at the first end 706 for receiving and managing cables. A camera mount 712 is connected to the second end 708 of the handle portion 704.

The end effector 700 further has a mechanical interface 714 located at the second end 708 of the handle portion 704. A scope clamp arm 716 may be connected to the mechanical interface 714. The scope clamp arm 716 may have a fastening ring 718 for securing a scope, such as a videoscope. In one example, the mechanical interface 714 may include a dovetail interface with the scope clamp arm 716 slideably engaged therein and secured by a screw 720. In one example, the screw 720 may be a thumbscrew for easily attaching and detaching the scope clamp arm 716. The scope clamp arm 716 may be connectable to a scope for clamping the scope in position adjacent the camera mount 712 using the fastening ring 718. The scope may further have an illuminator at a distal end of the scope that is connectable to at least one light pipe.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective drawing is shown illustrating an exemplary end effector joystick controller 800 coupled to an arm of a positioning device. FIG. 9 shows a side view of the end effector joystick controller 800 coupled to an arm of a positioning device. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the end effector joystick controller 800 in isolation. FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller 800 in isolation. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the end effector joystick controller 800 with a scope and camera attached. FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller 800 with attached scope and camera. FIGS. 8-13 will now be discussed concurrently.

The end effector joystick controller 800 may connect to and control a positioning arm of a positioning device of a medical navigation system, such as automated arm 514 of medical navigation system 200 (FIG. 5). The end effector joystick controller 800 generally comprises a mating component 802 for connecting to a flange of the positioning arm and a joystick portion 804 extending from the mating component.

The joystick portion 804 may include a handle 806 that is attached to a housing 808, which connects to the mating component 802. In one example, the handle 806 may be in the shape of a puck or a disc. However any suitable shape may be used for the handle 806, including a shaft, a stick, a cylinder, a sphere, a cube, a pyramid, etc. The housing 808 is connected to the handle 806 and houses a sensor system. In one example, the sensor system may be a six degrees of freedom (6DOF) sensor that senses both translation and rotation of the handle 806 with respect to the mating component 802 in all of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction. In another example, the sensor system may have a number of sensors that collectively amount to a 6DOF sensor system that senses both translation and rotation of the handle 806 with respect to the mating component 802 in all of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction. However, the sensor system may be any suitable type of sensor, such as a 5DOF, 4DOF, or 3DOF sensor.

The end effector joystick controller 800 may further have a second mating component 810 (FIGS. 12-13) for connecting to an end effector, such as end effectors 518 or 700, or other equipment such as a camera and scope. In one example, the second mating component 810 includes rigid support members attached to the mating component 802. The rigid support members pass through slots or holes 814 formed in the handle 806. FIGS. 12 and 13 show three rigid support members for the second mating component 810 and three corresponding slots or holes 814 formed in the handle 806. However, any suitable number of rigid support members and corresponding holes 814 may be used according to the design criteria of a particular application, such as one rigid support member and hole 814, two rigid support members and holes 814, four rigid support members and holes 814, etc. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a scope and/or camera 812 attached to end effector joystick controller 800 via second mating component 810.

In one example, the mating component 802 and the joystick portion 804 may be axially aligned as shown in FIGS. 8-13, however any other suitable physical configuration may also be used. In one example, the mating component 802 connects to the flange of the positioning arm with a dowel pin and is secured with at least one screw, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another embodiment of an end effector joystick controller 900 with a scope and camera attached is shown. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the end effector joystick controller 900 with attached scope and camera shown in FIG. 14. FIGS. 14 and 15 will now be discussed concurrently.

The end effector joystick controller 900 may connect to and control a positioning arm of a positioning device of a medical navigation system, such as automated arm 514 of medical navigation system 200 (FIG. 5). The end effector joystick controller 900 generally comprises a mating component 902 for connecting to a flange of the positioning arm and a joystick portion 904 extending from the mating component.

The joystick portion 904 may include a handle 906 that is attached to a housing 908, which connects to the mating component 902. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-15, mating component 902 includes a shaft 903 for elevating the connection point to housing 908. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-15, the joystick portion 904 is off axis with respect to the mating component 902 and the camera and scope 912. Further, handle 906 includes a notch 907 so that the joystick portion 904 may be located closer to the camera and scope 912.

As with end effector joystick controller 800, the housing 908 is connected to the handle 906 and houses a sensor, which in one example may be a six degrees of freedom (6DOF) sensor system that senses both translation and rotation between the handle 906 and the mating component 902 in all of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction. However, the sensor may be any suitable type of sensor, such as a 5DOF, 4DOF, or 3DOF sensor.

Mating component 902 of end effector joystick controller 900 may connect directly to an end effector, such as end effectors 518 or 700, or other equipment such as a camera and scope 912, as shown in FIGS. 14-15.

The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. An end effector controller for connecting to and controlling a positioning arm of a positioning device, the end effector controller comprising: a mating component for connecting to a flange of the positioning arm; and a handle portion extending from the mating component, the handle portion comprising: a puck-shaped handle; a housing portion attached within the handle and attached to the mating component; and a 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) sensor system housed in the housing portion and connected to the handle, the sensor system being configured to sense both translation and rotation in all of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction.
 2. The end effector controller according to claim 1, further comprising: a second mating component attached to the first mating component, the second mating component for connecting to an end effector.
 3. The end effector controller according to claim 2, wherein the second mating component includes a rigid support member.
 4. The end effector controller according to claim 3, wherein the rigid support member passes through holes formed in the handle.
 5. The end effector controller according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of rigid support members each passes through a corresponding hole in the handle.
 6. The end effector controller according to claim 1, wherein the mating component and the handle portion are axially aligned.
 7. The end effector controller according to claim 1, wherein the mating component is adapted to connect to the flange of the positioning arm with a dowel pin and is adapted to be secured with at least one screw.
 8. A medical navigation system, comprising: a positioning device having a positioning arm with a flange at an end of the positioning arm; a controller at least electrically coupled to the positioning device, the controller having a processor coupled to a memory and a display; and an end effector controller for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm, the end effector controller comprising: a mating component for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm; and a handle portion extending from the mating component, the handle portion comprising: a puck-shaped handle; a housing portion attached within the handle and attached to the mating component; and a 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) sensor system housed in the housing portion and connected to the handle, the sensor system being configured to sense both translation and rotation in all of the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction.
 9. The medical navigation system according to claim 8, the end effector controller further comprising: a second mating component attached to the first mating component, the second mating component for connecting to an end effector.
 10. The medical navigation system according to claim 9, wherein the second mating component includes a rigid support member.
 11. The medical navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the rigid support member passes through a hole formed in a handle.
 12. The medical navigation system according to claim 11, wherein there is a plurality of rigid support members each passing through a corresponding hole in the handle.
 13. The medical navigation system according to claim 8, wherein the mating component and the handle portion are axially aligned.
 14. The medical navigation system according to claim 8, wherein the mating component is adapted to connect to the flange of the positioning arm with a dowel pin and is adapted to be secured with at least one screw. 